Athens

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is a city where ancient history seamlessly blends with vibrant modern life. This guide covers essential tips, top attractions, and neighborhood highlights for your visit.

Essential Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summers (June-August) are very hot, while winters can be mild but rainy.
• Currency & Tipping: The currency is the Euro (€), and credit cards are widely accepted. It is common to round up the bill at cafes or leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants.
• Getting Around: The city center is very walkable. For longer distances, the modern and affordable metro is efficient, with many stations (like Syntagma and Monastiraki) displaying archaeological finds discovered during excavation. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like FREENOW are also readily available.
• Safety: Athens is generally safe, but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
• Local Etiquette: The plumbing system in Athens is old; do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. Use the provided bin.
• Key Phrases: A friendly “Kalimera” (good morning), “Yasou” (hello), or “Efharisto” (thank you) is appreciated by locals.